Editing Big Rapids, Michigan (section)

=== Population decline ===
Big Rapids' population peaked in the 1980s. Since the 1980s, Big Rapids has lost over 46% of its population.<ref name="GR2" /> There are a number of reasons for the decline, one being the decline in enrollment at Ferris State University.<ref>{{Cite web |last = Bussa |first = Jayson |title = New Ferris State president confronts declining enrollment, post-pandemic opportunities |url = https://mibiz.com/sections/economic-development/new-ferris-state-president-confronts-declining-enrollment-post-pandemic-opportunities |access-date = May 26, 2022 |website = mibiz.com |language = en-GB }}</ref> Quality of life concerns have also played a role. Mecosta County (like most rural areas)<ref>{{Cite news |last = Porter |first = Eduardo |date = December 14, 2018 |title = The Hard Truths of Trying to 'Save' the Rural Economy |language = en-US |work = The New York Times |url = https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/12/14/opinion/rural-america-trump-decline.html,%20https://www.nytimes.com/interactive/2018/12/14/opinion/rural-america-trump-decline.html |access-date = May 26, 2022 |issn = 0362-4331 }}</ref> struggles with poor education, lack of high-paying jobs, and high rates of [[substance abuse]].<ref>{{Cite web |last = Price |first = Shepard |date = April 8, 2022 |title = Stopping the deaths: Here's what Michigan is doing to prevent fentanyl overdoses |url = https://www.ourmidland.com/news/article/Michiganders-are-dying-of-fentanyl-overdoses-17066846.php |access-date = May 26, 2022 |website = Midland Daily News |language = en-US }}</ref>